Simeone feted alongside Phillips, Benincasa at Stark County Dem event

Three Alliance residents were honored recently at the Stark County Democratic Party annual dinner.

Last month, Alliance at large Councilwoman Sue Ryan honored Brian Simeone, president of the Alliance Area Democratic Club, as Alliance Democrat of the Year.

Originally, Alliance Council President John Benincasa had been slated to present the award; however, Ryan agreed to step in after Benincasa's death earlier this year. She credited Simeone, who has made two unsuccessful runs for city council, for his "desire to serve in elective office and his courage to put himself before the voters."

"John (Benincasa) reminded him that he ran three times before being successful, and both Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also lost early in their careers. (Despite) the urge to give up and retreat, Brian resisted the temptation to drop out of sight and stayed active with the (local party)," Ryan continued. "As president of the club, Brian works tirelessly, supporting our candidates, reaching out to prospective new members, and organizing and participating in fundraising activities."

During his acceptance speech, Simeone credited those who helped him to receive the award through their contributions. "In order to be successful, you have to have good people around you, such as Benincasa, who taught me a lot about local politics and that there are honest people in politics and doing it for the right reason -- to make a difference and for the people."

He also acknowledged the contributions of Kathleen Purdy, Gwen Dunagan, Paul Ray and his family in addition to Ryan, who concluded, "Brian is the best kind of candidate -- one who is willing to learn, who is not afraid to ask for, and take, advice, and continually strives to improve."

Additionally, both Phyllis Phillips and Benincasa, both former Alliance Democrats of the Year, received lifetime achievement awards from the Stark County Democratic Club.

Phillips stepped down earlier this year after being elected eight consecutive times to the Alliance 2nd Ward council seat, while Benincasa died in March amidst his 11th consecutive term as city council president.

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We carried Simeone in the Carnation Parade last year, in our convertible. We were willing to volunteer our services, however, he stated that we would recieve a gift of a giftcard...We are still waiting on it....Unfortunate that he did not keep his word! This speaks of his character.